The Naturalist's Miscellany: or, coloured figures of natural objects; drawn and described immediately from nature

Rare complete set of 26 volumes of this zoological masterpiece

24 volumes bound in 12 of the Naturalist's Miscellany and 2 volumes bound in 1 of The Zoological Miscellany by William Elford Leach (the continuation published after George Shaw's death with illustrations by Richard Nodder)

With all 1,185 engraved plates in superb hand-colour

Engraved dedication leaf to Queen Charlotte, 1,065 hand-coloured engraved plates in the Naturalist's Miscellany, and 120 hand-coloured engraved plates in The Zoological Miscellany

A very good copy of this "remarkable serial" (Wood), a monumental work on natural history. Devoted to zoological subjects, and including a high proportion of birds, but also mammals, marine creatures, amphibia, reptiles, shells and insects; each subject is described in both Latin and English, and illustrated by a plate, the majority by George Shaw, Frederick Polydore Nodder and his son Richard Nodder.

Complete sets are very rare, since the work was published in 287 monthly parts over some 24 years.

With many endangered species including the Chinese pangolin, Lapland owl, lace monitor lizard, bowhead whale, Egyptian vulture, Blanding's tortoise, California condor, hawksbill sea turtle, blue whale, etc.

Also includes extinct species such as the dodo, Raphus cocullatus, with separate plates of its leg and head, the great auk, crimson pigeon and the albino parakeet. And fictitious animals such as the harlequin hummingbird, created from parts of other birds.

George Shaw (1751-1813) was an English botanist and zoologist. Shaw trained as a doctor before becoming a lecturer in botany at Oxford. In 1791 he became assistant keeper of natural history at the British Museum. His other works include Zoology of New Holland (Australia) 1794 and the multi-volume General Zoology, 1809-1826.

Frederick Polydore Nodder (c.1751-1801) was an English illustrator, painter and engraver. He was botanical artist to Queen Charlotte. His other works include Martyn's Thirty Eight Plates 1788, Flora Rustica 1792, and Joseph Banks' Florilegium. After his death, his wife Elizabeth took over the business and his son Richard took over the engraving.

Richard Polydore Nodder (1774-1820) was an English illustrator, painter and engraver. After his father's death, he drew and engraved the majority of the plates in the Miscellany. A gifted painter, he later exhibited animal subjects at the Royal Academy and became botanical artist to King George III.

In full tan leather by Jaggard of Liverpool, spines with five raised bands, red and green gilt title labels, several volumes with one board off or hanging by cords, many volumes with spines cracked, two last volumes with spines completely detached but intact. Interior very fresh and clean with very little spotting or toning, all plates with vivid and rich handcolouring.

With bookplate of Kenneth Rae, a director at Cobden-Sanderson publishers, designed by British artist Rex Whistler (1905-1944).

A beautiful set of this very rare zoological classic.

Complete list of all plates with original names and current English and Latin names available on request.